Gruseldorf
Geography
The region of Gruseldorf lies within the northeastern part of the Kingdom of Rewen. The southern and eastern parts of the region are made up of thick forests and woodlands. The southern most forest is aptly named the Brigand Woods due to the vagrants & highway men that take residence there. A river known as The Pincers runs through this woodland. The western fork of The Pincers forms the Brigand Woods' northern border, while the eastern fork goes straight through the forest. The river spills out into the Eastern Ocean. Forming the region's western border is a forest simply known as The Wald. Like the Brigand Woods it is full of terrible dangers. Residents in the nearby Walden Farmstead claim they see beastmen running about, waiting for any poor soul that happens into their territory. Going into the central & eastern part of the region, it gives way to a coastal plain which has plenty of arable, livable land for towns, and farmers. The northeastern part of the region is home to a swamp simply called The Moors. One must cross it to reach the city of Hardbrin, which is at the northeastern most edge of Rewen. Lastly, the region's most northern border is formed by the Northern Mountains, which are a barrier between Gruseldorf, and the Utgard Wilds.
Ecosystem Cycles
Like the rest of the Continent, the region of Gruseldorf goes through four seasons. Those seasons being Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. Since the region is in the more northern part of the country, the weather can be a bit fierce come winter time. During the winter, temperatures can drop to below freezing, and weather doesn't usually start warming up until the middle of spring. One can expect mildly warm temperatures during the Spring & Summer. Cool, brisk mornings, with pleasantly warm afternoons. This is also the time when farmers begin to plant their crops, and will either harvest it at the end of the summer, or sometime during the Fall. The Fall is when temperatures begin to cool off, but it isn't entirely unpleasant.
Localized Phenomena
Ever since Lord Hildemar Berthold von Gruseldorf IV's disappearance, and descent into madness, strange happenings have been occurring throughout the region. The local populace rose up in defiance of the lord's rumored taboo rituals of black magic, thus local mercenaries and brigands were hired to take care of the situation. They were not named, and now take up residence within the Brigand Woods (which used to be the Southern Woods). The wolves within the Brigand Woods have been acting more aggressive than usual. Becoming more brazen in their attacks against brigands and locals. Strange beast-like creatures have been seen stalking the Wald. The locals call them "beast men" due to their human/animal hybrid appearance. They've made several incursions of the Walden Farmstead, attacking and kidnapping locals. There are rumors that they are a product of some twisted experiments the lord conducted using black magic. People have been venturing and disappearing into the Moors as if they're drawn to some unknown source. While the dead are rising in the Barrow Ruins, which have been sealed and blocked off to prevent them spilling over into the rest of the region. Strange apparitions have been seen near Thornwick Castle, the ancestral home of Lord Gruseldorf's wife. The most mysterious of all is the Fishing Hamlet. Something lurks there that wishes not to be disturbed. A host of blood hunters ventured in, only to return defeated, and refuse to speak of what they saw, or what happened while they were there.
Fauna & Flora
The Brigand Woods have been known to be home to many wolves that are notorious for stalking travelers. There are some wolves near Thornwick Castle, and in the Wald, but they are most prominent within the Brigand Woods. Wild deer, and boar can be found near and outside the woodlands, though the boar are treated as pests, and hunted as such. There are bears in the more northern part of the Wald, and in the Northern Mountains themselves.
Natural Resources
The Gruseldorf farms produce many crops such as small grains, vegetables, and cash crops. Some of these items are corn, potatoes, and tobacco. The Northern Mountains are home to several mines where local residents used to mine for precious rocks and metals. The Brigand Woods, and the Wald are also great sources of timber. Being near the coast, the Fishing Hamlet is also a great source for fishing.
Tourism
Gruseldorf doesn't usually get a lot of visitors in terms of friendly visits. Most people who pass through are either on business ventures, or working their way Hardbrin. Still, there are some charming places to see should one decide to take a leisurely vacation. There are plenty of taverns within the towns and farmsteads to where someone can take up residence for a short time.
- Thornwick Castle: A castle near the Northern Mountains. It is the old ancestral seat of the Thornwick Family which is now gone.
- Von Gruseldorf Manor: Estate of the von Gruseldorf family which controls, and takes its name from the region.
- Barrow Ruins: A massive graveyard where many have buried a loved one. It is also the ancient burial grounds of the von Gruseldorf family.
- The Dorf: The central town/city of Gruseldorf where everything goes through. It lives in the shadow of the von Gruseldorf Manor, with many roads leading out to the farmsteads, and fishing hamlet.
Comments